California wildfires: Death toll rises as Los Angeles area sees 'particularly dangerous' fire weather return
As millions of people in Southern California brace for the return of dangerous Santa Ana winds, officials aren't wasting any time to prepare for a potential situation that could exacerbate what has already been described as apocalyptic.
Extreme fire danger ramps up for Los Angeles as search for fire victims continues
FOX News Correspondent Connor Hansen reports from Pacific Palisades, California where the winds are beginning to return after devastating fires destroyed whole neighborhoods. The fire area is under a Particularly Dangerous Situation fire weather warning through Tuesday.
LOS ANGELES – The death toll associated with destructive wildfires that have scorched thousands of acres in the Los Angeles area continues to rise as forecasters issue a dire "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Fire Weather Warning in Southern California.
As of Sunday evening, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner reported at least 24 deaths as a result of the fires, including 16 deaths in the Eaton Fire and eight in the Palisades Fire.
In addition to the two dozen dead, many people have been reported missing. More than two dozen were reported missing in the city of Los Angeles. Seventeen have been located safely.
POWERFUL IMAGES SHOW LOS ANGELES HEROES ON FRONT LINES OF CALIFORNIA'S HISTORIC WILDFIRES
![Firefighters work while smoke rises because of the growing Palisades fire in Los Angeles, California, on January 11, 2025.]()
Image 1 of 32Firefighters work while smoke rises because of the growing Palisades fire in Los Angeles, California, on January 11, 2025. The Palisades Fire, the largest among the Los Angeles wildfires, pushed into new neighborhoods on January 11, prompting additional evacuations and diminishing optimism for containment. Since January 7, several fires have ravaged residential areas across the city, leaving at least 16 people dead and reducing thousands of homes to rubble. US President Joe Biden compared the destruction to a "war zone." (Photo by Ali Matin / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by ALI MATIN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) ( )
![A firefighter works on a hillside during the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California, US, on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. At least two rounds of vicious, dry Santa Ana winds are expected to blast through Southern California early this week, bringing powerful gusts that will challenge fire crews struggling to contain two destructive blazes and likely force thousands more residents to evacuate. Photographer: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images]()
Image 2 of 32A firefighter works on a hillside during the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California, US, on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. At least two rounds of vicious, dry Santa Ana winds are expected to blast through Southern California early this week, bringing powerful gusts that will challenge fire crews struggling to contain two destructive blazes and likely force thousands more residents to evacuate. Photographer: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )
![BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Fire air operations drop fire retardant, on flames from the Palisades Fire, along Mandeville Canyon, photographed from the Mountaingate development, above Mandeville, January 11, 2025, in the Brentwood community of Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jay L. Clendenin/Getty Images)]()
Image 3 of 32BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Fire air operations drop fire retardant, on flames from the Palisades Fire, along Mandeville Canyon, photographed from the Mountaingate development, above Mandeville, January 11, 2025, in the Brentwood community of Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jay L. Clendenin/Getty Images) ( )
![SYLMAR, CA - JANUARY 08: The Hurst fire burns in the hills above Sylmar, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.]()
Image 4 of 32SYLMAR, CA - JANUARY 08: The Hurst fire burns in the hills above Sylmar, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
![SYLMAR, CA - JANUARY 08: The Hurst fire burns in the hills above the Oakridge residential community in Sylmar, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025]()
Image 5 of 32SYLMAR, CA - JANUARY 08: The Hurst fire burns in the hills above the Oakridge residential community in Sylmar, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times )
![CALIFORNIA, USA - JANUARY 10: Firefighting planes and helicopters dump water on flames during the Kenneth Fire in West Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images)]()
Image 6 of 32CALIFORNIA, USA - JANUARY 10: Firefighting planes and helicopters dump water on flames during the Kenneth Fire in West Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images) ( )
![Flames from the Palisades Fire burn along the ridge line near Mandeville Canyon while fire crews attempt to prevent northern expansion toward homes around and into the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, Calif. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2024. The fire has set in place new evacuation warnings and can be seen near Encino and Tarzana neighborhoods. (Photo by Brontë Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)]()
Image 7 of 32Flames from the Palisades Fire burn along the ridge line near Mandeville Canyon while fire crews attempt to prevent northern expansion toward homes around and into the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, Calif. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2024. The fire has set in place new evacuation warnings and can be seen near Encino and Tarzana neighborhoods. (Photo by Brontë Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) ( )
![A fire fighting helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11, 2025. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the Los Angeles fires, spread toward previously untouched neighborhoods January 11, forcing new evacuations and dimming hopes that the disaster was coming under control. Across the city, at least 11 people have died as multiple fires have ripped through residential areas since January 7, razing thousands of homes in destruction that US President Joe Biden likened to a "war scene." (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 8 of 32A fire fighting helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11, 2025. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the Los Angeles fires, spread toward previously untouched neighborhoods January 11, forcing new evacuations and dimming hopes that the disaster was coming under control. Across the city, at least 11 people have died as multiple fires have ripped through residential areas since January 7, razing thousands of homes in destruction that US President Joe Biden likened to a "war scene." (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) ( )
![Wildfires in Mandeville Canyon, LA]()
Image 9 of 32LOS ANGELES, USA - JANUARY 11: A view of wildfires in Mandeville Canyon, Los Angeles, United States on January 11, 2025. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 10 of 32Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 11 of 32Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 12 of 32Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 13 of 32Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 14 of 32Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 15 of 32Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 16 of 32Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Los Angeles-Area Fires Erupt As Dangerous Wind Storm Begins]()
Image 17 of 32A structure burns during the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. A fast-moving wildfire ripped through an affluent neighborhood in Los Angeles, forcing thousands of people to evacuate as the region braced for a brutal wind storm that could last well into the weekend. (Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg)
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Image 18 of 32Police officers remove an elderly resident from her home during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 8, 2025. (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
![Members of the National Guard block entrances along New York Drive in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, US, on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.]()
Image 19 of 32Members of the National Guard block entrances along New York Drive in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, US, on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (Jill Connelly/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
![A firefighter works the Eaton fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, CA.]()
Image 20 of 32A firefighter works the Eaton fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
![A firefighter works the Eaton fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, CA.]()
Image 21 of 32A firefighter works the Eaton fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
![A firefighter works a fire during Eaton fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, CA.]()
Image 22 of 32A firefighter works a fire during Eaton fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
![Firefighters hose down a smoldering building on the Pacific Coast Highway during the Palisades Fire in Malibu, California, US, on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.]()
Image 23 of 32Firefighters hose down a smoldering building on the Pacific Coast Highway during the Palisades Fire in Malibu, California, US, on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (Jill Connelly/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
![Orange County and Los Angles County firefighters work to save homes within the Palisades Fire zone in Pacific Palisades, California on Thursday January 9, 2025.]()
Image 24 of 32Orange County and Los Angles County firefighters work to save homes within the Palisades Fire zone in Pacific Palisades, California on Thursday January 9, 2025. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
![Firefighters work to put out a fire that broke out at the Altadena Golf Course Jan.09, 2025.]()
Image 25 of 32Firefighters work to put out a fire that broke out at the Altadena Golf Course Jan.09, 2025. (Barbara Davidson for the Washington Post)
![Orange County and Los Angles County firefighters work to save homes within the Palisades Fire zone in Pacific Palisades, California on Thursday January 9, 2025.]()
Image 26 of 32Orange County and Los Angles County firefighters work to save homes within the Palisades Fire zone in Pacific Palisades, California on Thursday January 9, 2025. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
![A firefighter sprays water on a burning home as Eaton Fire moves through the area on January 09, 2025 in Altadena, California.]()
Image 27 of 32A firefighter sprays water on a burning home as Eaton Fire moves through the area on January 09, 2025 in Altadena, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
![Firefighters fight the flames from the Palisades Fire burning the Theatre Palisades during a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.]()
Image 28 of 32Firefighters fight the flames from the Palisades Fire burning the Theatre Palisades during a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
![A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire while it burns homes at Pacific Coast Highway amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.]()
Image 29 of 32A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire while it burns homes at Pacific Coast Highway amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
![Firefighters work the scene as an apartment building burns during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles county, California on January 8, 2025.]()
Image 30 of 32Firefighters work the scene as an apartment building burns during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles county, California on January 8, 2025. (JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
![A firefighter sprays water on a house to protect it from the Eaton Fire in the Altadena neighborhood on January 08, 2025 in Pasadena, California.]()
Image 31 of 32A firefighter sprays water on a house to protect it from the Eaton Fire in the Altadena neighborhood on January 08, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Nick Ut/Getty Images)
![Firefighters battle the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California.]()
Image 32 of 32Firefighters battle the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California. (David McNew/Getty Images)
Fire fatality numbers are expected to rise. Officials said K-9s and cadaver dogs are being brought into areas devastated by the wildfires to search for victims.
"It is a very grim task. And unfortunately, every day we're doing this, we're running across the remains of individual community members," Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. "That is not easy work."
Personnel from across the U.S. and around the world have descended upon Southern California to join in on the around-the-clock wildfire assault.
While progress has been made in extinguishing many of the smaller blazes that broke out since last week, a dangerous situation is about to unfold.
Dry conditions, low humidity and the return of Santa Ana winds this week could lead to explosive wildfire growth.
Resources propositioned ahead of Santa Ana winds
Los Angeles area on alert for return of critical fire weather as wildfire recovery operations continue
Residents in Southern California are anxiously awaiting the go-ahead to return to their homes after a series of deadly wildfires swept across the Los Angeles area last week, but as FOX Business Correspondent Max Gorden reports they are going to need to wait a bit longer as critical fire weather returns to the region this week.
As millions of people in Southern California brace for the return of dangerous Santa Ana winds, officials aren't wasting any time to prepare for a potential situation that could exacerbate what has already been described as apocalyptic.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass took to X on Sunday night and said crews have been strategically pre-deployed in areas close to the Palisades Fire and other fire stations across the city after the National Weather Service office in Los Angeles issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Fire Weather Warning across portions of Southern California.
L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the region is "better prepared" for the upcoming PDS event. More than 8,000 firefighters are working to fight the Palisades and Eaton fires. California Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed a mobilization center to stage resources for Los Angeles County to help with new fire starts and existing fires.
Officials are asking residents and those under evacuation to stay informed.
"We are not in the clear," Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said. "We must not let our guard down as we have right now extreme fire behavior. And we need to make sure that the community is staying updated with the most information … Follow all evacuation warnings and orders without delay."
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Southern California Edison said it had cut power to more than 25,000 utility customers in the area for safety measures as part of its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. The company warned that power restoration may take longer than usual due to the unsafe conditions.
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Palisades Fire destroys ‘house after house’
Watch: California wildfire spreads to new neighborhood, destroying property and burning hillsides
Shifting winds have caused the Palisades Fire in Southern California to spread eastward, threatening homes in the neighborhood of Mandeville Canyon.
The latest statistics for the Palisades Fire are:
- Size: 23,713 acres.
- Containment: 14%.
- Structures threatened: 12,250.
- Structures destroyed: 1,105.
- Cause: Under investigation.
- CAL FIRE says that aerial imagery overlays show approximately 5,000 structures, including vehicles, that may have been damaged or destroyed.
The battle against the Palisades Fire has been ongoing for days, with firefighters on the ground and in the air doing whatever they can to stop the advancing flames as homes and businesses are burned to the ground.
Last week, helicopters flying above the Palisades Fire captured dramatic video of a "firenado" as it spun through uninhabited areas to the northwest of Los Angeles.
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Watch: Video from inside helicopter shows wildfire fight from above
The Los Angeles Fire Department Air Operations released a video on Friday showing helicopters flying aboveCalifornia's Santa Monica Mountains as the Palisades fire rages below.
The Palisades Fire, the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history, has far surpassed any historical event in the region.
"Just house after house destroyed," FOX Business Correspondent Max Gorden said from Pacific Palisades on Monday morning. "Just jaw-dropping amounts of destruction. People are essentially going to be coming back to absolutely nothing in some cases."
Tens of thousands of residents who were told to evacuate as the fires raged have been anxiously awaiting word as to when they could possibly go back and see if their homes survived the inferno.
A re-population timeline is still unclear as teams search the fire area for remains.
Officials are asking for patience from evacuees as they complete the search for remains.
"Those people are saying, 'I just want to go look at my house and I want to see what's left.' We know that, but we have people literally looking for the remains of your neighbors," Luna said. "Please be patient with us. There are a lot of hazards in the area still; the area has not been rendered safe."
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A sign reading 'Looters will be shot' stands in a mandatory evacuation zone at the Eaton Fire on January 12, 2025 in Altadena, California. More than 7,000 structures, mostly homes, were damaged or destroyed as a powerful Santa Ana wind event pushed flames farther into the city than even many fire experts expected. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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Crime has been a concern in evacuated areas, and police said they have stepped up patrols to keep communities safe and enforce an effective curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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Illegally flown drones have also caused problems within the perimeter of the Palisades Fire. A firefighting aircraft collided with a drone Thursday, forcing the plane to be grounded due to damage.
L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the damaged aircraft, known as a "super scooper," was repaired and could begin flying as soon as Tuesday morning with Federal Aviation Administration approval.
Los Angeles County officials said more than 30 people have been arrested in the fire area, including three people for illegal drone use.
Eaton Fire relaxes to allow for construction, improvement of containment lines
See how a Southern California neighborhood was transformed by the wildfires
Satellite imagery of a neighborhood in Altadena, California, shows how the recent wildfires have devoured numerous homes and businesses.
The latest statistics for the Eaton Fire are:
- Size: 14,117 acres.
- Containment: 33%.
- Structures Threatened: 39,428.
- Structures Destroyed: More than 7,000.
- Cause: Under Investigation.
On Sunday, CAL FIRE said firefighters continued their tactical patrols and were able to respond to public calls for service while also building and improving fire containment lines.
CAL FIRE said that Urban Search and Rescue efforts, infrastructure assessments, hazardous material responses and damage assessment missions have been continuing in communities along the southern edge of the Eaton Fire.
More than 1,800 structures have been searched for remains. Luna said on Monday that teams are on the third day of completing a grid search of the Altadena area.
LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi said the Los Angeles Regional Wildlife Investigative Task Force was established to identify the cause of the fires, but their work is still in the early stages.
"We're committed to identifying the cause and origin of these fires. And we're also committed to holding anyone who is responsible for these fires accountable and to further protect the residents of Los Angeles and the city," Choi said.